AMERICAN NOTE TO GERMANY

Grey River Argus, 12 June 1915, Page 6

AMERICAN NOTE TO GERMANY

(Reed 12.25 a.m.) •WASHINGTON, June 11

The American Note to Germany referring: to the Cushiiyr and Gulflight cases notes that Germany will acknow ledge to meet liability where there was an attack on neutral ships not guilty of a hostile act, and promises full information relating the Cushing. Regarding the sinking of the Falaba where an American lost his life* the United States is surprised to find Ger many contending- that an effort on the part of a merchanmen to escape capure and secure assistance alters the obligation which' offer s of seeking to make the capture respect the safety of the live<? of those aboard the merchantmen, although the vessel had ceased its attempt to escape when torpedoed. After quoting International Law tl>. Note states that the United States does not understand Germany's seeking in his case to relieve itself of the liability, but intends to set for the circumstances which ]ed the commander of the submarine to allow him self to be hurried into the, course taken Regarding the Lusitania, the conten tion of the Germans that the liner .was equipped with masked guns, supplied with trained gunners, special ammunition, was transporting Canadian troops and carrying carsro not permitted by the .laws of the United States to allow a vessel carrying passengers and serving in virtual effect as an auxiliary naval force. This Britain had refuted and the Imperial Government had been inform ed that special attention would be paid these matters by the proper officials in he American Government If the Imperial Government deem itself possessed of convincing evidence that the officals of the United States do not per form duties tborouffhlv, Washington hopes that it will submit evidence for consideration. The contentions of the Imperial Gov eminent regarding the carrying of contraband on the Lusitania is declared irrelevant to the question of the legality of the methods used by the German naval authorities. Whatever be the facts regarding the sinking of the Lusitania the principal fact remains that the great steamer was primarily and chiefly for the conveyance of passengers, and was carrying more than a thousand souls, who bad no part or lot in the conduct of the war, and the v were torpedoed and sunk without warning". Men,. women and children were sent to death in circumstances unparalleled in modern warfare It is upon the principle of humanity as well as of Jaw that is founded this principle on which: the United States I must stand. The Government of the United States confidently looks to see the justice of. humanity of the Government of Germany vindicated in all cases where Americans' have been wronged, and their rights as neutrals invaded. The proclamation of a war zone is not admitted by thr United States to affect tKo rierht of American shipmasters and citizens a 5 passengers bound on lawful errands. '

The Government of the United States deems it reasonable to expect the Imperial Government to adopt the measures necessary to put the principles into practice in. respect, to safe guarding- American lives and Americans ships, and it asks for assuraii ces that this be done.